PM defends UN speech on Jammu, Kashmir crisis

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has defended his speech delivered at the recent UN General Assembly, at which he touched on the Jammu and Kashmir conflict.

Mahathir said the comments he made were in line with Malaysia’s policy that the conflict be resolved through negotiations and not violence.

The same topic, he said, was broached during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Russia, ahead of the Eastern Economic Summit also last month.

“We must know how to address this problem (of Jammu and Kashmir). If we criticise and the criticism was not siding with anyone, just seeking both sides (India and Pakistan) to negotiate and not resort to violence.

“That is our (Malaysia’s) policy, not to use violence and instead negotiate or use a bilateral or legal system. This is what I brought up with Modi when I met with him.

“My speech was pursuant to our stand that we do not wish to see violence happen,” Mahathir said to reporters at the Parliament's lobby today.

During the 74th UN General Assembly held in New York last month, Mahathir spoke on the need for India to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue with Pakistan through peaceful means.

The Jammu/Kashmir region

"Now, despite the UN resolution on Jammu and Kashmir, the country has been invaded and occupied. There may be reasons for this action but it is still wrong.

"The problem must be solved by peaceful means. India should work with Pakistan to resolve this problem. Ignoring the UN will lead to other forms of disregard for the UN and the rule of law," Mahathir had said then.

The Jammu/Kashmir issue has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan as both claim control of the two regions.

Mahathir’s was asked to comment on the #boycottmalaysia Twitter hashtag started by India’s netizens angered by the Malaysian prime minister’s speech.

Although Mahathir did not overtly side with either Pakistan or India, his speech was largely seen as critical towards Delhi.

Currently, the Indian-controlled portion of Jammu and Kashmir is under curfew, with tens of thousands of military personnel stationed there. - Mkini